STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mayor Bill de Blasio's push for Universal pre-kindergarten enrollment in New York City schools is paying off since applications are up by 36 percent, according to the New York Times.

The Education Department said it had received applications for more than 41,600 students for programs beginning this fall, soaring from about 30,500 last year.

City officials said that requests were greatest in low-income communities.

"Pre-K provides a vital foundation," Chancellor Carmen Fariña is quoted as saying in the Times. "We are thrilled to see this historic number of applications."